- Strengthening Financial Support for SMEs
- IBK is focused on promoting the growth of SMEs and microbusiness owners, and thereby strengthening the financial ecosystem. The bank has maintained the number one position in the SME loan market and continuously expanded its financial support tailored to the needs of businesses. As of the end of 2024, the outstanding balance of SME loans increased to KRW 246.1 trillion, with the market share expanding to 23.65%. These achievements have solidified IBK as the ideal financial partner for SMEs in their pursuit of sustainable growth.
- In addition, IBK was ranked 92nd in the Top 1,000 World Banks by the British financial magazine “The Banker” in 2024, which proved its competitiveness in the global financial market once again. IBK has consistently been included in the top 100 banks worldwide since 2018, maintaining a stable financial structure and continuous growth. This recognition has demonstrated IBK’s continued competitiveness amidst the changing global financial environment and its role as a key source of financial strength for SMEs and microbusiness owners.
- In 2025, IBK plans to further expand its financial support for SMEs and develop customized financial products to meet the funding needs at each stage of business growth. While maintaining a market share of 23.65% in the SME loan market, the bank will build an even stronger financial support system.
- Financial Services for SMEs and Microbusiness Owners
- IBK provides a wide range of financial services to enhance financial accessibility and provide customized support for SMEs and microbusiness owners. These services not only alleviate difficulties in fundraising but also establish a foundation for sustainable growth. IBK provides a lifecycle support system for the stable management of businesses through early-stage funding, low-interest loans, and operational funding support. Additionally, the bank offers specialized financial products and consulting services for region-based microbusiness owners.
- More specifically, IBK’s Technology Finance initiative provides R&D investment support, technology finance, and IP-secured loans to outstanding technology companies. The bank’s technology-based credit evaluation model facilitates the companies’ access to finance. Furthermore, the IBK Supply Chain Finance (SCF) solution provides operating funds and financial support for partner companies and SME suppliers, facilitating the smooth flow of funds between businesses. This solution helps increase operational stability between distribution networks and manufacturers and facilitate the smooth flow of funds between large corporations and SMEs.
- Global Market Development and Trade Finance
- IBK provides export finance and foreign exchange consulting for SMEs entering overseas markets, utilizing its global network to connect them with international partners. By collaborating with overseas branches and partner banks, IBK provides prompt financial support and more customized consulting to ensure SMEs can grow stably in global markets. Also, to ease the financial burden on exporters, the bank operates a range of trade finance solutions, as well as provides international credit risk management and customized financial support services to enhance the exporters’ global competitiveness.
- In addition to that, IBK has expanded its digital trade platform to enhance its competitiveness in global markets and introduced a fast foreign exchange settlement system for more stable international transactions. It also provides customized financial solutions to help businesses navigate global legal and regulatory changes, while integrating finance with credit guarantee programs to reduce the financial strain on exporting companies. Through all these efforts, IBK pursues to actively support SMEs in sustainably expanding and thriving in overseas markets.
